This job posting was sent to us by MaryEllen Mendl of Vermont 2-1-1.  If you have a job opportunity you’d like us to share, please email it to coordinator@commongoodvt.org.

Vermont 2-1-1, a program of the United Ways of Vermont, has an opening for a part time (22 hours, four day work week, no weekends or holidays) Housing Information and Referral Specialist. Candidates need to be available to cover morning and evening shifts as needed (b/t 8:00am – 8:00pm). Interested individuals should send a cover letter and resume to Cathy@unitedwaysvt.org by September 17th. The position is in the Essex Junction office of Vermont 2-1-1.

Summary

Vermont 2-1-1 I&R Specialists have both individual and shared responsibility and accountability for delivering quality, professional information, referral, and advocacy services to inquirers.  The I&R Specialist is Vermont 2-1-1’s front-line representative to the public.  The 2-1-1 I&R Specialist takes incoming calls and makes follow up calls on a scheduled basis. Calls range from requests for simple information to complex cases with multiple needs requiring time spent in research, advocacy and crisis intervention. The part time position will function as part of theI&R Housing Specialist Team. The Team will have the primary responsibility for all aspects of the emergency housing program.

Job Requirements

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in human services, OR
• Associates plus minimum of one year of experience working in human services,
• Ability to use a computer to complete job functions.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Personal Qualifications

• Ability to relate effectively with people from all economic, racial, age, ethnic, and social groups.
• Strong desire to provide appropriate help and assistance to any person in need.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to learn about and stay informed on human services in general.
• Willingness to actively participate as a team member.

Responsibilities

• Answers incoming calls on an assigned schedule.
• Assesses caller’s needs and makes accurate referrals to appropriate agencies, programs, and services.
• Provides crisis intervention to callers in crisis, including but not limited to calls pertaining to suicide, domestic violence and child abuse, according to established protocols.
• Provides emergency housing information (shelter or motel information) to after hours (4:30pm – 8:00pm) homeless callers.
• Develops and Maintains relationship with approved motel vendors across the state.
• Develops and maintains relationships with Community Action Agencies and follow after hour’s protocol.
• Answer the Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) Public Inquiry Hotline (PIH) in the event of an incident or emergency when the SEOC (State Emergency Operation Center) is activated.
• Researches answers to new questions and requests for unknown services.
• Advocates for individuals experiencing difficulty or lacking the ability needed to make effective contact with agencies, programs and services.
• Schedules and makes follow up calls according to established protocols.
• Accurately records transaction information on all caller contacts.
• Works effectively as a team member.
• Attends staff meetings, team meetings, on-site trainings, conferences and workshops to improve professional skills.
• Seeks Certified Information & Referral (CIRS) credential when eligible to do so;
• Stays informed on broad social issues and changes that impact human services in Vermont.
• Works toward achieving program quality assurance goals.
• Represents Vermont 2-1-1 and United Ways of Vermont effectively to agencies and groups both on the telephone and in person.
• Maintains integrity of contract with Agency of Human Services (AHS) and other contractual partners.
• Works on a shift other than regularly scheduled one, as needed to cover 8am to 8pm Call Center hours.
• Other duties as assigned.